Here on this site fijimuaythai.com; self teaching and self learning is a key focus and in this post we will take a closer look at 8 famous self taught martial artists and see what lessons can be drawn from their experiences.
In the modern information age that we live in today, self learning is even more possible than it probably ever was in history.
There is so much quality content online available in high quality video format, that anyone with a mobile device, PC or laptop can access and start self learning.
But even ancient stories from martial history feature heroes who journeyed and sought after secret sword art manuals or fighting techniques recorded in written form in order to learn and become masters.
Through studying, practicing and basically teaching themselves.
So self learning has always been around.
So in this post we will take a look at and discuss 8 famous self taught martial artists that you probably have heard of or seen in a Hollywood or Hong Kong movie production.
Sean O’Malley – UFC Fighter
Sean O’Malley is an American bantamweight fighter in the UFC.
Although he had some training in traditional martial arts during his childhood, O’Malley primarily honed his skills through online tutorials and self-study.
He gained popularity through his flashy striking style and knockout power, showcasing his natural athleticism and creativity in the cage.
It should be noted that, While O’Malley had an unconventional training background, he did not solely rely on self-teaching to develop his skills in mixed martial arts (MMA).
O’Maley did however, utilize online tutorials and self-study to a certain extent.
But O’Malley also sought guidance from coaches and trained in established MMA gyms.
Andy Le – Hollywood Stuntman
Andy Le is a mostly self-taught martial artist known for his role as Death Dealer in the Marvel movie, Shang-Chi.
Andy Le gained the opportunity to work in Hollywood thanks to videos he, his brother and other martial artists uploaded onto their YouTube channel, ‘MartialClub’ which has close to 1 million subscribers and over 300 videos.
It was from this YouTube channel that legendary stuntman Brad Allan (known for his work with martial arts legend Jackie Chan) got in touch and Andy landed the role of Death Dealer.
According to an interview about his life, Andy Le says :
“I went to Wushu school for a short while, but I would say 90 percent of my ability come from self-teaching”
https://www.insidehook.com/article/movies/self-taught-youtube-martial-artist-became-marvel-supervillain
Bas Rutten – UFC Hall of Fame
Bas Rutten is a legendary MMA fighter and has been inducted into the UFC hall of fame.
He is not only a former UFC Champion but is also recognized around the world as one of the founding fathers of MMA.
While known for his striking prowess and coming from a TKD, Karate and Dutch style muay thai background, Rutten developed his groundwork skills mostly through self study.
According to Wikipedia, Bas Ruttens “groundwork was built through a slow evolution and was unusual for being mostly self-taught. Initially counting only on defense rudiments learned from Chris Dolman, he developed his game by copying Pancrase trainings and became a dangerous submission fighter.”
Mas Oyama – Kyokushin Karate Founder
Masutatsu Oyama is recognised as the founder of Kyokushin Karate and he is renowned for his remarkable self-training methods.
Mas Oyama is said to have secluded himself in the mountains of Japan to practice intense physical conditioning and martial arts techniques.
His rigorous training approach eventually led to the development of one of the most formidable karate styles in the world.
Kimbo Slice – Street Fighting Legend
Kimbo Slice, whose real name was Kevin Ferguson, gained fame through street fighting videos that went viral on the internet.
While he did not have a traditional martial arts background, his raw power and brawling style attracted attention.
Kimbo Slice later transitioned into professional MMA, where he achieved some success and became a popular figure.
Xu Xiaodong – Self Taught MMA Fighter
Xu Xiaodong is a Chinese mixed martial artist who gained notoriety for challenging traditional martial arts practitioners in China.
Xu is known for developing his fighting skills through self-training and self learning through experimentation and testing out techniques.
Xu has also been very vocal and critical about the fighting effectiveness of traditional martial arts and especially kung fu styles.
As Xu has always been a proponent of testing martial arts effectiveness through actual fights, he gained notoriety through his real life challenge matches mostly with traditional martial artists that he mostly defeated.
Lessons We can Learn from Famous Self Taught Martial Artists
For anyone looking to learn martial arts mostly through self learning understand this – is totally possible.
However, if you are aiming to compete and even become a champion in a chosen combat sport/martial arts style then you will need to attend a gym or academy for live instruction and to train and spar with other students.
But still, you can make a lot of progress on your own, as exemplified by the martial artists discussed above in this post.
And there are key lessons we can take away from the example of these martial artists highlighted in this post.
#1 Physical Toughness and Strength can Be Trained Complete Solo
As in the example of Mas Oyama, who isolated himself to train his mind and body through gruelling physical training, anyone can become tougher in both mind and body through solo hard physical training.
This alone will set you up to become a better martial artist and fighter.
Kimbo Slice is another example of a tough fighter who relied on his physical stength and toughness to win fights.
#2 With Determination Literally Nothing can Stop You
In the case of Andy Le, who is mostly (“90 percent self taught in his own words), with the right mindset and unshakeable determination there is almost nothing a human can accomplish, and this includes in martial arts.
The UFC legend Bas Rutten mostly learned grappling with very limited instruction but with solid determination he turned himself into a formidable grappler and mixed martial artist.
#3 To become a Champion You Need a Team
It is pretty much impossible to become a champion in martial arts and combat sports without a team to support you.
You need training partners and instructors to watch you and correct your mistakes and to strategise and guide you in your competitions.
You also need good sparring partners who will push you and help you to reach new levels as a martial artist.
